Donald Trump has officially confirmed that the United States is now engaged in direct military action against Iran, announcing that American forces have commenced what he described as “major combat operations” in coordination with Israel. In an eight-minute video address posted early Saturday on Truth Social, Trump declared: “A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran. “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people.” He accused Tehran of maintaining decades of aggression toward the United States, referencing 47 years of hostility, repeated chants of “Death to America,” and alleged campaigns of “bloodshed and mass murder” targeting American troops, military bases, allies, and civilians worldwide. Trump insisted the strikes were defensive and necessary, saying the action was aimed at neutralizing threats arising from Iran’s “menacing activities.” The announcement followed Israel’s earlier confirmation that it had carried out a “pre-emptive” strike “to remove threats to the State of Israel.” Shortly afterward, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared a nationwide state of emergency. Multiple explosions were reported across central Tehran, with verified footage showing heavy smoke rising from key government districts, including areas near the offices of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iranian state media acknowledged missile impacts in the Republic district and other locations within the capital, though authorities have yet to release official figures on casualties or the extent of damage. US officials told several media outlets that American forces are actively participating in the coordinated operation, deploying air assets and possibly sea-based capabilities as tensions escalate across the region. In Israel, emergency preparations intensified. Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv, Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, and Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa transferred patients to fortified underground units, discharged non-critical cases, and prepared for potential mass casualty situations. The country’s national emergency service, Magen David Adom, also moved into heightened coordination with military and health authorities. Iran closed its airspace immediately after the strikes, while reports indicate that Tehran is weighing retaliatory measures. An Iranian official signaled readiness for a “crushing” response, potentially involving missiles, drones, or allied forces operating across the region.
